FOOTBALL WEST MEDIA RELEASE
Queens Park have emerged victors of the Consolidated Energy Women’s Night Series final with a 1-1 (3-4) win over NTC on Friday night.
Both teams went into the game undefeated and were forced into a penalty shootout after finishing regular time with one goal apiece.
It was Queens Park who proved to be the more composed team, converting all penalties into scores, while NTC were unable to match the effort.
Winning coach Ben Anderton reinforced how proud he was of his team’s efforts in the lead up to the game after losing a match in similar fashion last year.
“We did practice during the week a little bit of penalties because we knew there was a possibility it could come up against a good team, but it was good after a heartbreak last year with a penalty shootout to step up and be composed,” he said.
The game proved to be one well worthy of a final, with both teams fighting out the first half with full intensity.
Queens Park’s Tia Stonehill looked dangerous with her speed on the right wing, while NTC’s Liana Cook was a spearhead in her team’s attacking ranks.
Stonehill assisted in a number of created chances in the first half, while Cook managed to hit the crossbar with one attempt and looked threatening on several occasions after that.
Both teams went into the half-time break at nil-all, but Stonehill charged through the NTC defence to put Queens Park ahead by a goal only 20 seconds into the second half.
Substitutions were made by each playing group midway through the term, and the extra run allowed Cook to collect a parried ball from the opposing goalkeeper for an easy conversion with 15 minutes left in the game.
With scores locked at one goal each at full-time, the teams went to penalties.
NTC began proceedings, with both teams converting their first shots. Queens Park goalkeeper Maya Diederichsen stuck to the middle of the goal for the second shot by her opposing team, which she saved.
NTC’s third shot sailed over the crossbar, and Queens Park were able to convert their fourth attempt to seal the win.
NTC coach Jessine Bonzas said she was extremely proud of her team and that despite the loss, the effort puts them in good stead for the upcoming season.
“They’re all a little bit gutted and they’re all going to feel it, but I’m extremely proud of them for playing this well,” she said.
“They stuck with each other tonight, it was a great team atmosphere.
“We’re looking forward to the NTC challenge in July, the program just gets stronger, and it’s just a great opportunity for these girls.”
The Bankwest Women’s State League season commences on April 23.

Midfielder Nicole Campbell said the semi-final was a good win for the girls.

“Obviously we are very happy with the win against the Redbacks, we love playing them,” she said.

“They have incredible talent in their team and it’s always an enjoyable game.”

Campbell said coach Ben Anderton has included new players who have added quality to the side and they are looking forward to strong competition from the NTC.

“NTC always play quality football – this comes from the good coaching they get,” she said.

“I worked with Jessine (Bonzas) last season and she is an amazing coach. It will be an interesting game with both teams undefeated and of course NTC have some great young talent.

“We love playing teams who have good structure and can move the ball around. We have had a quality pre-season and I feel we are coming together well as a team and in patches have played some incredible football.

“I think it will be a showcase of what’s to come in the league with some fast-paced, exciting women’s football.”

The NTC side finished runners-up in Group A, setting up a semi-final clash with Beckenham Angels.

Lexie Moreno scored two cracking goals and Tessa De Leo scored another to give NTC a 3-0 win to reach Friday’s final.

Coach Jessine Bonzas said it was a convincing performance.

“It was a hard fought semi-final, it started with great intensity from both teams and Beckenham could have grabbed an early goal,” she said.

“Beckenham continued to test us and will definitely do well throughout the season.”

It’s a new-look NTC side this season, and Bonzas believes the team are gelling well together.

“A proportion of our team are new players this season and we welcome them as they play their first season for NTC or their first season in this age group,” she said.

“We also have a number of experienced players returning. The majority of our squad is aged between 15 and 17 years and are very dedicated, hardworking, passionate and professional young footballers pursing their dreams.”

Bonzas said they are relishing the challenge against a strong Queens Park side.

“Grand finals are always exciting and both teams should be proud of their achievement in qualifying for it,” she said.

“We wish Queens Park the best of luck for the game and know it will be a good contest.

“We go in as underdogs but I have no doubt the NTC players will give their best efforts, learn a lot from the occasion and develop as a result and that’s why the program exists, as it gives opportunities to our youth players.”

The match kicks off on Friday at 7:30pm at Coker Park in Cannington.
FIXTURE:

The Consolidated Energy Women’s Night Series final kicks off on Friday night with a battle of the undefeated, as Queens Park take on NTC at Coker Park.

In a competitive group phase, Queens Park topped Group C and drew their final game against Balcatta to send them into a semi-final against last season’s double winners, Northern Redbacks. Queens Park prevailed 4-0, with goals from Tia Stonehill, Bec DiCarlo, Sadie Lawrence and Bec Bennett.

Midfielder Nicole Campbell said the semi-final was a good win for the girls.

“Obviously we are very happy with the win against the Redbacks, we love playing them,” she said.

“They have incredible talent in their team and it’s always an enjoyable game.”

Campbell said coach Ben Anderton has included new players who have added quality to the side and they are looking forward to strong competition from the NTC.

“NTC always play quality football – this comes from the good coaching they get,” she said.

“I worked with Jessine (Bonzas) last season and she is an amazing coach. It will be an interesting game with both teams undefeated and of course NTC have some great young talent.

“We love playing teams who have good structure and can move the ball around. We have had a quality pre-season and I feel we are coming together well as a team and in patches have played some incredible football.

“I think it will be a showcase of what’s to come in the league with some fast-paced, exciting women’s football.”

The NTC side finished runners-up in Group A, setting up a semi-final clash with Beckenham Angels.

Lexie Moreno scored two cracking goals and Tessa De Leo scored another to give NTC a 3-0 win to reach Friday’s final.

Coach Jessine Bonzas said it was a convincing performance.

“It was a hard fought semi-final, it started with great intensity from both teams and Beckenham could have grabbed an early goal,” she said.

“Beckenham continued to test us and will definitely do well throughout the season.”

It’s a new-look NTC side this season, and Bonzas believes the team are gelling well together.

“A proportion of our team are new players this season and we welcome them as they play their first season for NTC or their first season in this age group,” she said.

“We also have a number of experienced players returning. The majority of our squad is aged between 15 and 17 years and are very dedicated, hardworking, passionate and professional young footballers pursing their dreams.”

Bonzas said they are relishing the challenge against a strong Queens Park side.

“Grand finals are always exciting and both teams should be proud of their achievement in qualifying for it,” she said.

“We wish Queens Park the best of luck for the game and know it will be a good contest.

“We go in as underdogs but I have no doubt the NTC players will give their best efforts, learn a lot from the occasion and develop as a result and that’s why the program exists, as it gives opportunities to our youth players.”

Ylias goal earns Queens Park cup

Former Melville City midfielder Emma Ylias came back to haunt her former club by scoring the only goal as Queens Park won the Women’s Premier Night Series Final 1-0 at Coker Park last night.

Report by Peter Simcox

In front of a big crowd, which included former Socceroos coach Frank Arok, the home side took the lead early but both sides had chances in an entertaining game.

Queens Park coach Ben Anderton said the team’s hard work in the pre-season had paid off.

“I thought we deserved the win,” he said. “They pressed us late but I thought we did enough to win it.

“The two sisters at the back for us were outstanding tonight, Stacey (Learmont) and Brittany (Woodfin) play so well together. And Stacey, well what can I say, I can play her anywhere on the park and she will be good.”

“We’ve worked hard in pre-season, and we have a few new faces in the squad, and tonight I thought Ylias was good, also Jessica (Darmargo), she has been great throughout this tournament and it bodes well for the up-coming season.”

Ylias, who joined Queens Park this season, said she came to the club to win titles.

“It was a great contest and playing against my old club, who play a fast type of game, made it challenging but we’re happy we came out on top,” she said.

“I’ve never won a trophy with a club outdoors, so it’s extra special for me, and that’s why I came to the club. It’s a good start but there is a long season ahead.”

It was a perfect start for Queens Park and they were ahead after only four minutes. Brooke Johnston played the ball out to Darmargo on the right and her deep cross picked out the unmarked Ylias at the back post, who headed home from close-range.

Despite conceding the early goal Melville hit back and on a sweeping counter attack Lucy Jerram raced forward and slid the ball into the path of Holly Dangen, whose shot on the run flashed just wide of a post.

Both sides had late chances as the game opened up. Johnston headed wide from Nikki Campbell’s corner for Queens Park, before Melville’s Holly Dangen raced in on goal, but a superb last ditch tackle from Stacey Learmont cleared the danger

Melville and Perth Glory keeper Evie Gooch saved well from Johnston early in the second half before Darmargo’s first-time shot deflected over the bar.

It was still anyone’s game and Melville pressed late looking for the equaliser but with Brittany Woodfin and Learmont outstanding at the heart of the Queens Park defence they couldn’t find a way through.

Stirling had always looked threating with their pace through Lauren Continibali, who crashed a fine effort off an upright, but found Wanneroo custodian Holly Cavalli in fine form in the first half as she pulled a series of clutch saves.
It was not until an inspired second half did the Panthers manage to breach the resolute Roos defence.

Panthers coach Frank Di Costa was pleased with the resolute character of his young side, many of whom were experiencing their first taste of the division through the Night Series, and put the second half showing down to patience.

“I thought we were always in the game to be honest,” Di Costa said.

“I thought the goals would come we just couldn’t afford to push the panic button.

“I thought we were controlling the game and sort of missing some chances. Yeah we gave away some soft goals but the character of the team has been really strong.”

No individual showed more desire and tenacity than captain Danielle Monastra who broke a number of Wanneroo attacks in a frantic second half.

Stirling were given a lifeline 15 minutes into the second half when Sophie Podmore breached the Roos’ off-side trap and raced away to slot past an exposed Cavalli.

The goal seemed to spur both teams as Stirling looked for an equaliser while Wanneroo played on the counter as they searched for a third goal.

With 12 minutes to play Stirling found an equaliser. Continibali had breached the offside trap again but a smothering defence failed to clear her initial attempt and Clara Lay followed up to expertly lob Cavalli and equalise.

With the match drawing close to full time both teams spurned great chances to win the game at the death.

Caitlin Vallelonga raced through on goal but once Cavalli stood her ground well and Sheridyn Graham had a chance to win it at the death but her effort trickled narrowly wide.

The match went straight to penalties and with Stirling leading 4-2 following successful conversions from Lay, Lara Ameduri, Continibali and Monastra, Wanneroo’s Karen Wodzianski needed to score to give the Roos a chance but saw her effort over the crossbar.

Coach Di Costa hoped the Night series win would give his girls some invaluable experience in their first season in the state league.

“It’s our first season in the state league following promotion from metro div one last year and I don’t think many people would have seen (this) coming,” he said.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for us to put this as a stake in the ground and proves that we can compete with the best teams.”

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